Stronger stock, new models a sign of growth, says Ford CEO

12:40 PM, January 14, 2013

Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Office for Ford, speaks to the media at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 14, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Stan HONDASTAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images / Stan Hondastan/Getty Images

The plan and the vehicles it has produced, as well as strong financial results, have increased corporate value, Mulally said today following the introduction of the Lincoln MKC compact luxury crossover concept at the North American International Auto Show.

Helping is the fact Ford reinstated the dividend and doubled it. “It’s another clear indication that we believe in the future and can sustain the dividend even in a downturn,” he said.

The automaker has been adding jobs – another 2,200 salaried workers will be added this year, on top of 8,100 salaried and hourly workers in 2012. Ford is adding 12,000 hourly jobs by 2015.

Mulally noted that manufacturing is the bedrock of the U.S. economy and manufacturing has been led by the auto industry. About 15% of GDP is from manufacturing and the sector accounts for about 70% of research and development around the world, he said.